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The Riigikogu is the parliament of Estonia. Its 101 members are elected at general elections for a term of four years. The Riigikogu passes laws and resolutions, exercises parliamentary supervision and ratifies international agreements.

The Riigikogu has 11 standing committees and 3 select committees. Committees of investigation and study committees are formed to investigate issues of public interest or problems of significant imprtance.

Members of the Riigikogu’s parliamentary group visit the Parliament of Rwanda

02.05.2018 / Press releases, Others

Chairperson of the Estonia-Rwanda Parliamentary Group of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Marianne Mikko and member of the group Terje Trei are on a visit to Rwanda this week to learn about the activities of the country holding the chair of the African Union, particularly in the fields of gender equality and environment protection.

In Mikko’s opinion, Rwanda is a unique country in the world because most of the members of its Parliament are women. “Rwanda can be an example to us in gender equality, and also in creating the conditions necessary for preserving a cleaner environment,” Mikko said. She added that it was also significant that Rwanda held the chair of the African Union.

Trei said that she admired the rapid development of Rwanda, and found that Estonia and Rwanda could exchange their practices. “We have similar success stories,” Trei said. “The campaign “Let’s Do It!” started in Estonia and has spread to other countries. In Rwanda, the last Saturday of each month is Umuganda, a national community service day.”

During the visit that lasts until Saturday, Mikko and Trei will meet with the members of the Parliament, the Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament, and the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion. The role of women in politics, social guarantees and health care issues will be discussed at the meetings. Environment and the development of tourism and agriculture will also be spoken about.

Members of the Riigikogu will also get information about the principles of the drafting of state budget that takes into account gender equality in Rwanda, and visit agricultural cooperatives. They will also observe how Rwanda prepares for the clean-up campaign “Let’s Do It!”, which started in Estonia.